Plantar Fasciitis

Tara Johnson, DPTPhysical Therapist

Question: The bottom of my foot near my heel started hurting after walking a long distance in my flip flops. It hurts to step on my foot in the morning and aches after standing for too long. What could be going on and what can I do about it?

Answer: You may be experiencing what is called plantar fasciitis. The plantar fascia is a large ligament on the bottom of your foot that supports your arch. It can become inflamed and irritated if you have a high arch or flat feet, wear unsupportive shoes, or stand for prolonged periods of time. Typical treatments include consistent stretching of your calf and plantar fascia, wearing supportive shoes or utilizing a small heel lift, massage, and minimizing the irritation through rest, ice, and over the counter anti-inflammatory medications. Many people who initiate physical therapy to address their plantar fasciitis symptoms generally experience an overall improvement in their pain and tolerance to activity. For additional information, please contact Tara at STARS at 463-5570.